Automatic Stock Control System in a Supermarket
- Bar codes are associated to all goods/items sold by the supermarket as a means of identification
- Every bar code is associated with a stock file on a computer database
- Customer takes their basket/trolley to POS terminal
- Bar code on product is scanned at the point of sale (POS) terminal
- If bar code can't be read, the POS operator has to key in the bar code number manually using a keypad/keyboard
- Bar code is searched for on the database
- Once bar code is identified/found, appropriate file/record is accessed
- Price of good/item is found and sent back to POS
- Stock level of item is reduced by 1
- If stock level is less than or equal to the re-order/minimum stock level then the system automatically re-orders goods/items from the suppliers
- This procedure is repeated until all the items in the customer's basket/trolley have been scanned
- When all items/goods have been scanned, customer is given an itemised bill showing a list (with prices) of everything they have bought
- Computer also updates the files comprising daily takings
- If the customer has a loyalty card, the system automatically updates their point's total
- When new goods arrive, bar codes are used to update stock files
- Some newer supermarkets now allow consumers to scan their own trolley/basket and pay for the goods/items using credit card or cash (essentially stock control system is the same for both methods)